A Matter of Honor (Denise Little Presents)

Rating:
Summary: What a delightful surprise - a "gem"!
Review: My first read by Mandalyn Kaye was a delightful surprise! This book, which takes place in 1850's Missouri, has it all - Cinderella, Zorro, an English Duke, humor. Poor pretty Emmy Greene supports her wastrel gambler uncle and several cousins by running her uncle's gem appraisal business. Uncle Robert is the recognized authority, but Emmy is really writing his treatises. She dresses poorly, while outfitting her relatives in the latest fashions and paying all Robert's gambling debts. Enter the mysterious "Diamond Hawk" (Zorro), who consults her regarding stolen gems. Enter our wealthly English Duke, surveyor and tortured hero, Joss Brickston, who runs the American branch of a global enterprise. Joss blames Robert for the loss of his wife and sons and gets even by gambling with Robert and forcing him to lose. The cost to forgive the debt is marriage to Emmy, which cripples Robert. The character development and dialogue in this book were great. "A Matter of Honor" is highly recommended for a fun, fast and memorable read. I plan to look for more of Mandalyn's work!